Caregiver burden of mothers of disabled children: An exploration Greeshma K.1, Manikandan K.2 1Research Scholar, Department of Psychology, University of Calicut, Calicut University (P.O), Kerala. Email: greeshmapsych@gmail.com 2Professor in Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Calicut, Calicut University (P.O), Kerala. Email Id: manipsych@gmail.com Online published on 20 September, 2018. Abstract This study aimed at exploring the caregiver burden associated with mothers of disabled children. Participants of the study consisted of 15 mothers who were the primary caregivers of children with any kind of disability. A semi structured interview, focused primarily on social and personal characteristics of the caregiver as well as child's condition was carried out with each of them. Interpretation of data was done by thematic analysis. Analysis revealed themes associated with caregiver burden including social support, stigmatization experiences, feeling of helplessness, lack of enough knowledge regarding disability, uncertainty about the future, physical disturbances, and tension reduction strategies. Results suggest importance of professional support and provision of awareness programmes on various disabilities. Top Keywords Caregiver burden, Disabled children, Mothers, Thematic analysis. Top |